July 29, 2013

Fireplace refractory panels are an easy way to update your prefabricated or zero clearance fireplace. With a wide variety of styles and patterns, it's easy to add a new look to your fireplace without a lot of work. Give your fireplace the look of brick or stone, enjoyed a stacked or herringbone patterned lining without a lot of work or reconstructing the inside of your firebox. Fireplace refractory panels are simple and straight forward to install.

It's impossible to avoid damaging your refractory panels. Constantly changing temperatures weaken the panels and the refractory cement that holds the panels in place. Fireplace refractory panels reflect heat towards the fireplace's mouth, so it's impossible to limit the amount of heat that these panels are exposed to.

Replacing fireplace refractory panels are an important part of fireplace maintenance. If your panels are cracked, worn out or start to crumble, you run the risk of exposing the wood framing to the heat of your fire. Or the heat could warp and permanently damage the fireplace itself. You know that your refractory panels are ready to be replaced if you can fit a credit card into the crack or if the panel flexes when you press on it lightly. Same goes if you don't see any cracks, but have found fallen chunks of cement. If you think your panels are damaged, don't light a fire in your fireplace until they are replaced.